About
Geranium tuberosum, the tuberous-rooted cranesbill, is a low-growing tuberous perennial sending up very finely cut, feathery leaves to 20�25 cm tall in spring before going dormant in summer. Pale-pink, red-veined flowers 2.5 cm across with deeply notched petals are borne on slender, erect, 40 cm stems in early summer. A charming and unusual spring-flowering cranesbill for a sunny, well-drained position.
About the genus
Geranium, the cranesbills, are annuals, biennials and herbaceous or evergreen perennials with rounded, usually palmately lobed or divided leaves and loose clusters of rounded, five-petalled flowers in white, pink, purple or blue. Among the most versatile and garden-worthy of all perennial genera.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toMediterranean
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningNo special pruning requirements; spring growth becomes dormant after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or propagate by basal softwood cuttings in early to mid spring and root with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be damaged by vine weevil larvae, Geranium sawfly larvae, capsid bug, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews and powdery mildews